A fixed base operator is a comercial business that operates on the airport and provides support services to general aviation operators such as: Fuel services, tie downs, window washing, rental cars, and much more.

You must give notification to the Airport Operator if you intend to fly your drone, also known as unmanned aircraft system UAS, within 5 miles of the airport. Contact our Air Traffic Control Tower at (409) 741-0925 to obtain clearance.

In addition to the Know Before You Fly website, the FAA has released a “B4UFLY” app, available to download for free on iOS and Android devices. B4UFLY tells users about current or upcoming requirements, pinpoints restricted airspace, and identifies areas where UAS operators may want to fly.

Take I-45 south, exit off of 61st street, take a right on 61st until you arrive at Seawall Boulevard. Take a right until 83rd street. Take another right and go straight until you see the main terminal building at:2115 Terminal DriveGalveston, TX 77552

Car rentals are available from Enterprise Rent-a-Car by making reservations through the airports FBO, Galveston Aviation Services. Reserve in advance and your rental car will be ready at the airport when you arrive.

In 2005, the City of Galveston voted to approve a tax rate freeze for all senior citizens over the age of 65, and the disabled, who have their homestead on the island. That means the increase will not affect them. That being said, should a senior citizen move to a new home of higher value, or modify (add-on, build secondary structures, etc) their home and increase the value, the tax freeze for that individual would be recalculated based on the new value and the new tax rate.

All projects included in the bond election are on the website. The notation for it being a “sample list” was used due to the fact that we will also be including other streets that are identified in the current assessment that is being done. The assessment may also deem it necessary to move certain streets up and down in the priority list, however, our hope is that we will be able to address all of the streets identified in the assessment with the funding that would be made available if the bond measure passes.

The City’s Capital Improvement Plan outlines all work to be done in the next 5 years. The projects that will require funding by tax supported bonds have that notation on their project pages. Each project page outlines the timeline for the project. Residents can view the CIP online. Adopted FY 2017 Capital Improvement Plan

The term other "related" public infrastructure is in there because bond counsel requires it. "Related" would mean connected to or with one of the listed projects. They require the language so that if you scope of a project changes due to unknown conditions of utilities under a roadway or in a drainage system, you can still use the funds for the additional work needed to complete the project. The bond covenant is very clear that the money can only be used for roads and drainage. The City of Galveston cannot buy buildings or even install water or sanitary sewer lines with it.

The tax rate is set each year by council and no council can bind future councils as to that rate as a matter of state law. By that same law, future councils could roll back the rate at any time or raise it at any time. If council votes to lower it while money is still owed on the debt, they would need to make cuts elsewhere in services to pay for it. For reference, Council has voted to lower the tax rate each year for the last three years because home values on the island increased, giving council the ability to lower the tax rate without cutting services.

No. The bond measure will increase the City portion of your tax bill by 3.5 cents per $100 of valuation. The Galveston County Appraisal District is who sets your properties valuation amount. In our educational materials we used an example of what this meant for residents by showing the amount of increase on your annual tax bill you would see if the bond measure passes. The estimated $60 was based on a home that was valued at $215,000 (the median property value on the island) with a 20% homestead exemption.

Our total tax rate on the island is $2.40 per $100 valuation therein abouts. Compared to many cities, it is quite low, especially as it relates to total tax. You have to look at other municipalities and see if they have MUD's, PID's, ESD's to see the total tax rate for that particular community. We wrap all of those services into your rate in Galveston. Tax bills significantly increase when the value of your property increases. We look at increased property values as somewhat of a positive. Raised values mean the market is growing and sales are good. It also means your house is in good condition and is a nice addition to the community. If your home is unfairly valued vs comparable homes of like condition, then you can protest that value.

The $60 increase is based off of someone who claims a homestead exemption (20%) on a $215,000 home. That value is the average home value on the island.

Example:$215,000 x .80 = $172,000/$100 = $1720 x .035 = $60.20

You can do the same math to come up with the impact to you. Simply take the value of your home and multiply it by .80 if you take a homestead exemption. Once you have that value you will divide that amount by $100 and multiply that number by .035.

History has shown that construction inflation far outpaces interest costs and are not fixed as the interest will be on bonds. Based on that, the City determined issuing bonds would be the more fiscally responsible solution for our taxpayers. This holds especially true when you consider the cost of making temporary repairs to infrastructure until we have the funding available to complete the upgrades.

Drainage on the island is not something anyone can fix in the next five years. We can make incremental progress by increasing drains and such but it all comes down to how it gets to the bay or the bayou and the tides at that time. Newer cities have retention and detention. Much like every City our age, Galveston was by design built to provide retention/detention within the street itself. We will continue to upsize the drains and now have a program to attempt to keep them free from tidal silt. Tidal slit can fill up to 50%-60% of some drains when we have high tides and this program has proven to help improve drainage when in place. Solutions beyond what we are doing would be in the billions of dollars and a burden that could not be sustained by local taxpayers. It will take federal intervention, like in New Orleans or New Jersey, to solve it completely and most likely with a coastal barrier of some type.

The term other "related" public infrastructure is included is because bond counsel requires it. "Related" would mean connected to or with one of the listed projects. They require the language so that if the scope of a project changes due to additional work needed to complete it, the funding is available for that use. The bond covenant is very clear that the money can only be used for roads and drainage. The City of Galveston cannot buy buildings or even install water or sanitary sewer lines with it. The entire sentence reads “other public infrastructure, traffic systems, and acquisition of rights of way relating to such projects…” which defines the “other related public infrastructure” much more clearly.

On an annual basis, we provide grants to City Departments in the areas of public service (recreation, education, youth activities, etc.), public facilities improvement (infrastructure improvements, park development, neighborhood centers, etc..), planning, affordable housing initiatives (home-ownership) and code enforcement. The grant funds are provided to the city from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Each funded activity must be eligible under HUD guidelines and meet one of HUD's national objectives of benefiting low-moderate income persons; eliminate slum or blight; or meet an urgent community development need (approved by HUD). Please contact our office at (409) 797-3820 for more information.

This inquiry is often avoided in fear the answer will be "yes." It is crucial that all property owners contact the respective department(s) to receive accurate information. The property owner is responsible to obtain all required permits. Please keep in mind we are here to help you throughout your projects.

When in doubt, check with the Permitting Division at 409-797-3620. Construction without a permit will result in double or triple permit fees, and may result in corrective action through Municipal Court.

Every department includes their own fee schedule. For example, the Building Division's fees are determined as a percent of the total amount (in dollars) of labor and materials. A list of fees can be seen below.

The LDR's (i.e. Land Development Regulations) establish specific standards for all development and redevelopment proposals. Ultimately, this document acts as a checklist to guide responsible development.

Bulk regulations are a combination of land use controls, which include: lot standards, setbacks, building height, parking, landscaping, and more. Bulk regulations vary depending on the zoning district.

There are two ways to locate your property lines. The first requires a metal detector and patience. If you property was recently platted (within the past 30 years) use the metal detector to find the property pins. On the other hand, hiring a Land Surveyor can be more accurate. These professionals analyze points, angles, and distances to precisely locate the property lines.

The purpose of a site plan is to illustrate the scope of a project. For example: if you want to build a shed in the backyard you must submit a site plan that shows where the work is going to be done. More importantly, the plan must show the dimensions between the property line(s) and the proposed structure.

Article 2 in the Land Development Regulations provides information to help determine if specific land uses (such as short-term rentals) are permitted or prohibited within your district. Currently, short-term rentals are allowed in every district on the island with the exception being R-0.

Most serious medical emergencies require more trained people than can be staffed on an ambulance to efficiently manage the situation. The fire truck usually arrives first to start a rapid assessment and to provide basic life support including airway management and cardiac defibrillation. The combination of an ambulance and a fire truck forms a coordinated team to perform life-saving care at traffic accidents, heart attacks, or other major medical emergencies. Galveston firefighters have been credited for saving numerous lives through our First Responder Program.

A multipurpose fire extinguisher is best for the home. Look for the rating to be at least 2A:10B,C on the label. This extinguisher can be used on any type of fire commonly found in the home. It will often be labeled A-B-C. Click HERE for more information about fire extinguishers.

Fire inspections may be initiated in a variety of ways: by request, citizen complaint, application for certain licenses/permits, and by routine inspection activity. To request for inspection services call (409) 797-3870.

Ordinance 10-028 regulating the use of golf carts on Galveston Island was passed by the City Council on March 11th, will be published by the City Secretary on March 21st, and go into effect on Wednesday, March 31, 2010. The Galveston Police Department will exercise a grace period until May 1, 2010, to allow cart owners to come into compliance with the new regulations. In the interim, officers will be stopping golf cart drivers to educate them about the regulations and required registration.

To clarify, the City’s east end golf cart rules apply to all areas of the Island 103rd Street and east, inclusive of 103rd Street, whereas the west end golf cart rules apply to all areas west of 103rd Street.

Galveston’s ordinance distinguishes golf cart operation in eastern and western portions of the City. Golf carts that are registered for operation 103rd Street and east may be driven in accordance with the ordinance anywhere permitted on Galveston Island, but golf carts that are registered for operation west of 103rd Street may not be driven east of 103rd Street.Usage is restricted for west end cart drivers due to safety features required to operate a golf cart in the eastern portion of the Island.Under the ordinance, golf carts can be operated on public roadways within the City of Galveston that: a) Have a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less.b) Have no more than two lanes of vehicular traffic per direction.c) Are not designated as part of either the State or Federal highway system.Golf carts are not permitted on public streets as follows:a) Roadways where the posted speed limit exceeds 35 miles per hour.b) Avenue “O” between 53rd and 15th Streets and Avenue “P”, between 19th and 53rd Streets.c) Roadways which are designated as part of the State highway system, including the “Pelican Island Causeway”. Golf carts can not be driven on sidewalks and are prohibited from pulling trailers, boats, jet skis, other objects or people on public streets and the right of way. Golf carts can only be operated on beaches that allow vehicular access, except for those with a disability as described below. Golf carts are limited to the seating capacity as designed by the manufacturer. All drivers and passengers must be seated at all times during operation of a golf cart. All occupants under the age of seven must be restrained by either an adult or by a seatbelt. If golf cart is operated 103rd Street and east, all drivers and passengers must use a seatbelt.

Vehicular access on Galveston Island beaches is regulated through the Texas Open Beaches Act and Galveston’s Beach Access Plan. Golf carts are defined by the Texas Transportation Code as motor vehicles and therefore can only operate on beaches that allow motor vehicles.Operating a golf cart on pedestrian, non-vehicular beaches, is limited to handicapped individuals with clearly displayed placards. To obtain a handicapped placard for your golf cart, please contact the Galveston County Tax Office (409) 766-2284. The County has offices located on the Island as well as on the mainland. Please call the County for a list of required documentation and office hours.

Golf cart registration permits may be obtained from the Galveston Police Department. Police Department headquarters is located at 601 54th Street. Owners can apply for golf cart permits between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The golf cart registration application will soon be available online at the Galveston Police Department’s website, www.galvestonpd.com. Additionally, applications can be obtained from any Galveston police officer. Golf cart owners will need to provide the following information to register their carts:1) Name and address of the Applicant owner.2) Location where the vehicle is regularly stored overnight.3) Model, make, name and golf cart identification number.4) Current driver’s license.5) Proof of financial responsibility. Each registered golf cart will be issued a registration permit decal that must be clearly displayed on the cart’s right front panel (driver’s side). The registration permit is good for one year from the date of registration, or such time as revoked, or the golf cart is transferred to a new owner. Carts registered 103rd Street and east will be issued a green decal; carts registered west of 103rd Street will be issued a red decal.

Pursuant to state law, drivers found in violation of the City’s golf cart ordinance are subject to a misdemeanor offense punishable as follows: 1) Violations of Section 34-203 shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding fifty dollars ($50.00). Each day a violation continues shall constitute a separate offense.2) Violations of Sections 34-207(e) or 34-207(f) shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding two hundred dollars ($200.00).

All golf carts must be equipped with the following minimum safety equipment to be eligible for a registration permit: 1) Operational headlamps2) Operational tail lamps3) Side reflectors4) Operational parking brake5) Rearview mirror(s)6) Slow moving vehicle sign having a reflective surface designed to be clearly visible in daylight or at night from the light of standard headlamps at a distance of at least 500 feet. This sign should be mounted base down on the rear of the cart at a height from three to five feet above the road surface. It must be maintained in a clean reflective condition. Golf carts registered 103rd Street and east are required to install the following additional safety equipment:1) Turn signals2) Horn3) Brake lights4) Seat beltsAll golf cart equipment must be installed and maintained in a manner consistent with the standards provided by Texas Transportation Code.

On December 13, 2009, the Galveston City Council appointed Galvestonians to two ad hoc committees, the East End Golf Cart Committee and the West End Golf Cart Committee. Each committee was asked to research the use of golf carts in master planned communities as well as on other public streets. After meeting over the course of several weeks the committees brought their recommendations to Council in the form of an ordinance. Throughout the process several city staff members worked with the groups, notably representatives from the police and legal departments.

Through approval of this ordinance the Galveston City Council amended Chapter 34 of the city’s code. To view the City of Galveston’s online charter and code please visit,www.cityofgalveston.org. Members of the public wishing to view ordinance 10-028 can also request a copy from the City Secretary’s Office by calling (409) 797-3510 or they can visit the office, located on the 2nd floor of City Hall, 823 Rosenberg, Galveston, TX, during regular business hours, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Historic districts have a unique sense of place. Buildings located in historic districts are protected from unsympathetic changes to the surrounding properties, which may decrease property values or negatively affect the neighborhood. Numerous reports, including a case study of Galveston, have shown that a historic designation maintains or increases property values.

You may also be eligible for significant federal tax benefits if your property is commercial or income producing.

For further information on this program, you may contact the historic preservation officer for the city at 409-797-3660.

Any project that involves changing the exterior of a property, including additions, new construction, demolition, moderate repair, and/or replacement of architectural features, requires Landmark Commission review. Minor repair or replacement of architectural features, most fencing, rear decks and other items allowed under administrative approval, may be reviewed by the historic preservation officer during the building permit process and often will not require further review.

Section 29-80 of the Galveston Zoning Standards, Special Historical District Regulations, provides for the creation by City Council of historical districts and the Landmark Commission to administer and regulate the construction, reconstruction, alteration, or razing of buildings and other structures in the districts.

It is recognized that Galveston is known nation-wide for its historic architecture, cultural, and historical traditions and for the preservation of these resources. Through this ordinance, the City Council aims to preserve, enhance, and perpetuate those aspects of the city that have historical, cultural, and architectural merit.

No, interior alterations are not reviewed by the Landmark Commission. The only time Landmark Commission approval is required for interior work is when the number of dwelling units are increased or the use of the building changes.

However, you should contact the city’s Building Division to determine if building permits are required for your project.

Paint colors are not reviewed in any of the residential historic districts. However, there is a designated color palette to paint your building if the property is located in the Strand / Mechanic Historic District. The Landmark Commission may consider other paint colors, but an application must be submitted for review. A building permit is not required to paint the property unless exterior materials need to be replaced prior to beginning work., or right-of-way use is necessary.

As with all other boards in the City of Galveston, the application process takes approximately four to six weeks. The Department of Planning and Community Development must notify all public and private utilities, as well as surrounding property owners, of the proposed project. Once comments are received from the utility companies and various city departments, a staff report is prepared for submission to the Landmark Commission.

Most cases are decided at the first Landmark Commission meeting but the commission does have up to 60 days to make a decision, unless an extension of the time period is agreed to by the applicant.

The Landmark Commission meets on the first and third Mondays of each month.

No. The Landmark Commission is a public body appointed by the City Council with specific duties to perform for the public in locally designated historic districts. In contrast, the Galveston Historical Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization with dues-paying members dedicated to historic preservation and building rehabilitation throughout the city.

Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change of occupancy of a building or structure; or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the Department of Planning and Community Development and obtain the required permits.

There are 27 different zoning categories within the City of Galveston. Please contact a planner in the Department of Planning and Community Development for assistance with determining the zoning of your property. Each zoning category has specific land uses which are allowed. The land uses allowed within each zoning district are listed in the appendices of the Galveston Zoning Standards, which is available on the City Code webpage.

Simple repair or replacement of matching materials and design, as well as minor alterations to property, can be reviewed by the historic preservation officer (HPO), during the building permit process. New construction, major alterations to the structure, or work beyond the administrative approval of the HPO must be reviewed by the Landmark Commission.

All review of work will be based on the design guidelines for historic districts in Galveston, which is available for a nominal fee through the Department of Planning and Community Development. Approval of paint colors in residential historical districts is not required.

The coastal regulations apply to all property within 1,000 feet of the mean high tide. This may include properties on the second and third rows from the beach, as well as some properties north of FM 3005. A survey will determine your property's distance from the mean high tide level. Beachfront construction permit applications may be obtained from the Department of Planning and Community Development or the City of Galveston CIty Code webpage. All construction within this zone will require obtaining a beachfront construction permit prior to the issuance of a building permit. Please contact a planner in the Department of Planning and Community Development for further assistance.

The landscaping requirements are listed in the Galveston Zoning Standards, Section 29-67 (g), which is available on the City of Galveston City Code webpage . Please be advised, there are special landscaping regulations [Section 29-99 (e)] for all properties within the Broadway Overlay Zone. Landscaping which meets the current regulations is required for all new construction and new businesses. A change in property ownership and/or significant improvements to the property may also require the owner to update the existing landscaping to meet the current regulations.

Most, if not all, signs require permits, including those painted directly on the walls of buildings. The primary sign regulations are listed in the Galveston Zoning Standards, Section 29-82, which is available on the City of Galveston City Code webpage . Additional sign regulations are listed for specific development zones. Please contact the Division of Planning to determine the property's zoning and applicable sign regulations.

The Department of Planning and Community Development must determine whether the land use is allowed within the zoning district, proper permits have been obtained for signage or any construction or interior build-outs, and the parking and landscaping are appropriate for the business. Upon completion of these requirements, an application for a Certificate of Occupancy may be submitted to the Building Division. A Certificate of Occupancy is required for all businesses or change in land use in the City of Galveston prior to opening.

To report street light outages, please call CenterPoint Energy at (713) 207-2222 or 1 (800) 332-7143, or you may file a report online. Be ready to provide the six-digit pole identification number or the physical address of the street light pole. You may also report the outage online at www.centerpointenergy.com.

We are currently under Stage 1 Mild Water Shortage Conditions. The City requests that customers voluntarily reduce their water usage by 10% and limit the irrigation of landscaped areas with potable water to Tuesdays and Saturdays for customers East of 103rd Street, and Wednesdays and Sundays for customers West of 103rd Street, and to irrigate landscapes before 10 a.m. or after 8 p.m. on designated watering days.For more information, please see our Drought Contingency Plan.

You may submit a locate request online, via phone at (409) 797-3630, email, or fax at (409) 797-3631. Requests take approximately 48 business hours and we will not mark on private property. If you need other utility lines marked, please contact 811.

This is a public-private partnership between the City and you, the property owner! The installation/maintenance of new as well as existing sidewalks, curbs, and gutters along private property but within the City right-of-way are the responsibility of the adjacent property owner.

Property owners wishing to participate in the program will pay for the cost of materials, and the City will provide the labor and equipment to complete the necessary repairs.

Currently the City is in the process of recruiting staff to serve on the Sidewalk and Curb Crew. In addition, the City will be purchasing the necessary equipment and supplies to adequately equip this new team to efficiently meet the needs of our community.

The City will announce an official start date once all staff members and equipment are in place!

All interested property owners are encouraged to submit repair requests! When prioritizing the requests, the City will take into consideration the proximity of the repair to areas with high pedestrian traffic; schools, public facilities, and retirement communities; infrastructure issues such as accessibility or drainage; and in relation to other requested repairs.